Boys outlook — Ramirez, an All-City pick, returns to lead the Wildcats and has made it to Class 4A state three straight years. Klemz also has state experience. "We have 11 new boys out this year and it’s exciting to see them working hard to build something really positive this season," Estes said. "With strong senior leadership we have a group of freshman boys who have the potential to be solid competitors for years to come."

Girls outlook — "Although we only return three from last year’s varsity squad, Hubbell has led the Lady Wildcats as their No. 1 the last two seasons," Estes said. "We are returning some positive senior leadership in a core nucleus of girls that are determined to keep improving every week. This team is small, but enthusiastic about helping each other succeed and helping grow our program."

Boys outlook — "(We’re) looking forward to working with a group of hard-working young men and continuing to improve as the season progresses," Maisberger said.

Top girls returners — Jacqueline Del Real, so.

Top girls newcomers — None listed

Girls outlook — Highland Park begins the season short on numbers and will try to build around Del Real. "(We’re) hoping to get some young ladies interested in coming out and improving as the season moves along," Maisberger said.

Boys outlook — Seaman was second in the city meet, third in the Centennial League, second at regionals and fourth in the 5A state meet. "We return three of our five scorers from the state meet and have many emerging athletes that have waited for their turn to make an impact for the Vikings," Wiens said. "Forrer, Heinen and Pope have made significant strides and Loy has shown the traits of a special athlete."

Girls outlook — The Vikings advanced to the 5A state meet last fall, finishing 12th. "The Lady Vikes should have a nice mixture of veteran and new runners that could be very competitive by the end of the season," Brading said.

Boys outlook — "Shawnee Heights returns all seven runners from last year," Bassett said. "This group of experienced runners is led by state medalist Hunter Henderson and senior Cole Joy. The team is looking to take that experience and translate it into a berth at the state meet this fall."

Girls outlook — "Shawnee Heights has an experienced group of seven returning letter-winners from a year ago that includes three All-City awards," Bassett said. "Team leader Alisiara Hobbs hopes to build on the success from last season and take the team to the state meet this fall."

Boys outlook — "The Trojans will be led by four-year runner Charlie Lathrop-Allen," Schrag said. "With only three seniors, Topeka High has a young team. They will be looking forward to improving their times and places as the season continues on."

Girls outlook — "The Lady Trojans will be led by four-year runners Savannah Jackson and Caitlyn Coyle," Schrag said. "Coming back strong from her 2016 season-ending injury, Abby Wagemaker is set to continue her habit of finishing in the top 10 in the majority of her races."

Boys outlook — "With a great mix of seniors, juniors and sophomores who have been in our program for several years, we will be looking for improvements in individual and team performances," Palmer said. "Our goal will be to place higher as a team in the October meets and shoot to qualify as a team for the state meet."

Girls outlook — "We have a good mix of girls this year and we will be looking for improvements in our individual performances from one to seven, which should help us to place higher as a team in the October meets," Palmer said. "Our team goal is to qualify as a team for the state meet."

Boys outlook — The Junior Blues were the city champions last season and placed second in the Centennial League meet and sixth in the 6A state meet. "We have an extremely dedicated group of senior leaders and upperclassmen this year and a great group of young runners following their lead," Swedlund said. "They have put in a lot of hard work this summer, which should serve us well as we move into the season. I am confident they will run hard and compete well all season."

Girls outlook — The Junior Blues were the city champions, placed second in the Centennial League and were seventh at state. "With the majority of our top 10 girls from last year back again and the addition of some very promising freshmen, we are looking to be competitive in the city, league and state this year," Swedlund said. "We have a great group of girls and I know they will be dedicated to working hard and getting better every day. I am excited to see what we can accomplish." Shufelberger was the ‘16 city champion.

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